What do you think of membership charges? Have your say here.

[Kherr]

Now that, my good sir, is the kind of input I've been looking for.

I didn't realize that you needed a dedicated server (nor that the prices they were listing were for shared servers) because I've never done anything like what you're doing. I just create free websites... that's it. So, in light of the new info, I can understand why it's costing so much, but honestly, does it have to? Isn't there something we can do to find another hoster or lessen the dent on this site aside from donations? There has GOT to be an alternative, there's always an alternative... T_T I don't wanna see this place go belly up, hence why I've been pushing so hard.

[Hot Trout]

I am able, for now, to continue to pay for the monthly server fees. I am just trying to come up with a solution that will not stop everyone from using the great material but will somehow pay for the monthly costs. I have seen the donations fall away in value over the past year, probably due to the world recession. I do not think that a one of payment of $10 is much to ask anyone to pay for a lifetime of content downloadable at the servers maximum speed. $10, once and then you have it all, forever

It sounds crazy but, if everyone that visits this site a day paid just $0.01 I would have enough money to pay for a server twice this size, twice as fast with everyone on maximum download speeds.

In May we had 179,000 unique visitors (true stats) and only three people donated a total of $86 (thanks to them btw )

I personally want to give everyone everything on here for free and at maximum speed. By paying for a dedicated server I think I have proven my dedication to the cause, it is up to everyone else to either donate or provide content, links, promotions etc.

Ho Hum.

[Kherr]

oh yea, that reminds me... Here, have another 15.

*edit*

Transaction Succeeded.

Don't go spending it all in one place now sonny. X3

[Hot Trout]

That wasnt necessary but is grealy appreciated . Your lifelong unlmited speed account is assured as is any other upgrades that come in the future.

Many thanks

[JAHGoVeg]

Wow everything you do is amazing HT. I have a renewed sense of respect for you and your crazy gigabytes of roms. ( I mean, who has that many games?) anyways I will always be grateful and wish that you always prosper. If you're site dies I'll I don't want to have to Go to another site. By the way, I think the membership idea is great.

P.s. When you search roms on google your site is the ninth listing. You're in the top ten HT! Lol

[Kherr]

That wasnt necessary but is grealy appreciated . Your lifelong unlmited speed account is assured as is any other upgrades that come in the future.

Many thanks

Oh, I'm not done. I think I could afford another 15 here soon. (Besides, what's it going to kill me? :p)

[Hot Trout]

Thanks Kherr i know I can count on you guys.

I do think that the $10 membership is the best way forward for now. I have had a number of people sign up in the past month which is helping. The points system is also good and when I get time I am going to implement that as well.

One thing I am considering for the larger rom areas (N64, Dreamcast, Playdia) is to only allow paid members access to these areas. This is mostly because of the size of the roms (avg 200MB) users actually need the speed increase just to get them downloaded. It might also prompt more users to donate.

[Kherr]

I like that Idea HT, sounds like a double thumbs up gold plan.

[The Shadow Dragon]

This is a good idea, though I think it should go for Size instead of system. Just put it so that any ROM over, say, 20MB is blocked to free users.

[Hot Trout]

Just to keep this thread up to date, all donations of $10 or more now automatically upgrade your account to unlimited status. In other words there is no delay in confirming your payment and being activated for unlimited speeds. I managed to automate the form payments and response from paypal, this allowed me to automatically update the database of users.

Very cool and saves me a lot of running around. It is also great news for users as they receive their reward instantly, 24/7/365.